A THRIFTED STEP STOOL MAKEOVER

02/06/2014

I doubt my daughter is the only child with a fascination with washing her hands. She loves to turn on the faucet, hold her hands under the soap until I squirt some on, then rub her hands together under the running water. So, when I spotted this sweet little stool at a thrift store for $5, I knew I had to refinish it for her bathroom.

I could just picture her standing on it, or opening the cute little lid to store her bath supplies inside.

The poor thing was coming apart a bit. One of the treads, or steps, had come unglued and it had a lot of scratches.

And obviously Ruby was already a fan. She happily sat on it until we had to leave for swimming lessons.

Nothing super fancy about this project. It was really simple. I think my computer ate the process photos, but here is an explanation: I started out by doing an entire coat of Zinnser Shellac Based Primer. I’ve preached about this primer before. I looooove it. It is a must for any kind of pre-finished furniture with a coating finish (similar to IKEA). After the primer coat was dry, I did the treads (steps) in the same color as the ceiling, a soft corally pink. The rest I painted white. I also used some wood glue to glue down the loose tread. And voila! The cutest step stool I ever did see.

We use the storage for overnight diapers so they are handy when she gets out of the bath. It’s such a sweet addition to the room.

And coincidentally, I saw a similar step stool at the thrift store just yesterday, begging for someone to take it home. Go find them, people.

Hi There!

I’m Jen. I believe every home should tell a story-- the story of its inhabitants. Forget the catalog. Add in the sentimental, mix in some quirk, and top it off with a little whimsy. With a little elbow grease and love, you can make your house so you. Join me as I transform my 90's peach and purple palace into a home withHeart, one DIY at a time.